With a Cool Renovation and a Sunroom, This Tiny East Village Home Transcends the Ordinary

It’s probably a good idea to start off by saying that this quirky co-op at 228 East 13th Street is comprised of 300 square feet of interior space. That’s about the same as the “large” model in most luggage sets. Ok, it’s actually bigger than a suitcase, but not by much; that fact aside, there’s a lot you can do with a small space. And if you’re going to live in one, it might as well be a good one, in a great location–like a gorgeous brick-and-brownstone block of the East Village a few blocks from Union Square and actually near subways. With something special–like a sunroom.

This charmingly unique apartment on the first floor of a pretty pre-war building has been renovated to allow for upgrades and, we’d imagine, splurges on a few customizing touches that keep up with the times yet maintain a creative vibe and historic elements, both often lost in a reno. The interior consists of a small eat-in kitchen, a central living space and that fascinating sunroom.

The listing calls it a “4-season sunroom,” and while we don’t know how it’s heated and cooled, we’ll take that as indication that it is, making it a bedroom possibility and a living space winner. Even better, the glass that totally surrounds this amazing interior refuge looks out on to your own personal outdoor refuge.

Also cool: the kitchen, with the minimalist loft vibe of simple, well-designed tall wood cabinets on exposed brick, ceiling beams, modern lighting, a surprising amount of counter space,  lots of stainless steel and a dishwasher. There’s currently a stylish little wood-topped dining table, conferring eat-in-status.

Unless you want to sleep in the sunroom, this central room is going to be the bedroom. We see pros and cons for both, but would probably choose privacy over windows.

A rarity in Manhattan (especially at this price), this private yard looks like paradise.

Even the bathroom–which is windowed–has personality.

The lovely brick building is also outstandingly convenient to subway and bus transportation, great restaurants and Union Square shopping (including Whole Foods, and Trader Joe’s) while still being on a on a charming residential block  in an “artistically inspired and vibrant East Village enclave.” Which really is no small feat for 300 square feet.

[Listing: 224 East 13th Street #4  by Gary Cicerello and Jacqueline Lyoussi for Douglas Elliman]

[Via CityRealty]

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Images courtesy of Douglas Elliman